I checked my phone for probably the hundredth time that day. Just like I had every day since I sent Penny the flowers and card. Every time my phone vibrated my heart sped up. A mixture of anxiety and hope filled me. The hope was lost when it wasn't her. I didn't know what I had expected. I'd fucked up big time. I couldn't blame her if she never talked to me again.

The only positive thing that had come from the mess was that Abby was getting help this time. Uncle Dwight and I were going to her therapy sessions with her once a week. Uncle Dwight and I also went to family sessions where we learned effective ways to support her and spot signs of relapse. I wasn't sure how I hadn't seen the signs. The therapist said that it was me deflecting and not wanting to see the worst in my sister. Especially after losing our parents in such a tragic way and our own estrangement.

Turns out I probably needed to see someone a long time ago to help me cope with my parents. Uncle Dwight broke down in one of our sessions because he felt like he failed us by not getting us help. I didn't blame him and I told him as much. He saved us. If he hadn't stepped in and took us, Abby and I would have been split up. I now made a point of trying to remind him of how thankful I was for the sacrifices he made for us.

The door to the gym swung open, and I glanced in its general direction. I did a double take when I realized it was Noel. Every time I saw Noel I hoped Penny wasn't far behind. She didn't look at me and I didn't expect her to. Her loyalty was to Penny, and I was sure she hated me.

Before I had a chance to think my actions through, my feet began to move from around the front desk. When I realized what I was doing, I couldn't make myself stop. I needed to know how she was and I knew Noel would know. She may give me grief, but it was worth the risk.

"Noel," I said her name right before she entered the women's locker room.

Her body stiffened at the sound of my voice. At first, she didn't turn around. I figured she was weighing her options of answering me or hurrying into the locker room. She slowly turned her head and looked over her shoulder at me. It was a good choice because if she didn't talk to me then I'd have waited for her to come out. I was desperate at this point.

"What?" Her voice came out in a clipped tone. I ignored it and continued on.

"Can I talk to you for a second, please?"

I was hoping the please would soften her a bit although I was pretty sure nothing could soften her toward me.

"What could we possibly have to talk about Reed?"

I absently rubbed the back of my neck with my hand.

"I just wanted to see how she’s doing." I didn't need to specify. She knew who I was talking about.

"Why do you care all of a sudden? You didn't seem to care when you left her crying by herself in the park. You also haven't been too concerned over the last month. No calls, no text, not even an f-you."

I couldn't argue because she was right. Bringing up the flowers seemed like a dumb idea.

"I know, I really screwed up. It was a mistake, and she was looking out for me. If I could go back I would. I regret everything."

"You should. You don't deserve her. She's had more than her fair share of bad relationships thanks to Alec and her psycho mom. She trusted you. Hell, I trusted you. I thought you were different. I guess we both were wrong."

I felt like I had been punched in the stomach. Being compared to Alec hurt. What was worse was I knew I had hurt her like Alec had. I’d hurt her in a different way, but I'd still hurt the woman I loved. I was shocked at how easily the thought of loving her flowed. There was no fear or regret when I thought it. That's when I knew I'd fight as long and as hard as I had to, to get her back. I didn't deserve her, but I needed her. I'd spend the rest of my life making it up to her and showing her how much loved her.

"Earth to Reed. You were somewhere else for a second. Are we done here?" Noel's hand was prompted on her hip, annoyance written on her face.

"No, wait, I love her. I love her, Noel. I know I messed things up. I've been getting help with dealing with my past and my sister. I should have believed Penelope. At very least I should have investigated more before I flew off the handle. I can't change the past. I can only go forward and I love Penelope. You have to help me get her back. I'll never hurt her again, I swear."

Noel's narrowed eyes stared directly into mine. It felt like she was trying to suck my soul out through my eyes. For all I knew that was exactly what she was doing. Still, I refused to break eye contact. Whatever she needed to see I didn't want to interfere.

"Penelope is the closest thing I have to a sister. She's been there for me through the hardest times of my life and me for her. I'd kill for her." Her emphasis on the word kill didn't escape me. I hoped it was more a scare tactic, but I didn't want to take any chances. "I don't approve of how you treated her. I don't know if I really think you deserve her forgiveness or a second chance. What I do know is that despite everything that has happened and the time that has passed she loves you. She won't admit it because she’s hurting, but I know her and I know she was a pretty much in love with you from the moment you first met."

I had to fight to keep the smile off of my face. Penelope loved me.

"If you want her back you’re going to have to put in work. A simple I'm sorry and some flowers won't cut it. You have some begging to do. You also have some competition."

The hope that I felt deflated. My face must have shown my confusion and dismay.

"Weren't expecting that, huh? You couldn't possibly think that no other guys would be looking at her. She's a catch you know."

I swallowed trying to clear the lump in my throat.

"I'm very aware of her beauty and appeal."

"So is her date, Max. He's pretty easy on the eyes too if I do say so myself. He has a man bun. Chicks love man buns."

My hands balled at my sides. I didn't like hearing that Penelope was going on a date with another guy. She was mine, or at least she would be.

"How many dates have they been on? Are they serious?"

"Calm your britches. It's only their first date, but he seemed pretty smitten with her."

"Noel, please you have to help me before they get in too deep."

She rolled her eyes and flicked her hand in the air dismissing my plea.

"I don't have to do anything. However, since I know my girl isn't over you, I'll help you come up with a game plan. I want to see her happy and I think you make her happy even if you’re an idiot. Once we come up with a plan, you're on your own. How you execute it is all up to you. It's sink or swim time buddy."

Noel made me wait while she went to her class. An hour after that we’d fleshed out a plan of attack. Noel seemed to think if anything was going to work this would be it. I had to trust that she knew what she was doing. This was my only shot. One thing I was going to have to be was patient. Something I was normally very good at, but knew would be hard in this situation. I'd wait though. Penny was worth the wait.

After several more subtle threats to my life and manhood, Noel left. I was on my own from here. That night I could hardly sleep. Penny's date was in a few days. That was also the first day the plan would go into effect. I hoped Noel was right about waiting until she went on her date. I felt like I'd lost a lot of time already.

When I did finally fall asleep, I dreamed of her. Her smile, her laugh, her perfect curves. I prayed that those dreams would soon be my reality.